Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months in London. Although it may seem brief, the experience has been enlightening. London is a dynamic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students find themselves with ample options. Both student residences and private accommodations provide choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom make it easy for international students to explore potential housing options online, review facilities, and locate nearby public transport links.
During my hunt for living arrangements, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing system of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we opted to cohabit a room, allowing us to save considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a diversity often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse areas. Many international students look for elements reminiscent of their home country while in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the varied and rich spectrum of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.